Project Santa Claus is off and running

In its 30th year, Project Santa Claus will now operate as an independent non-profit charitable corporation. The Project continues to be supported by Douglas County's service clubs, the Salvation Army, many local businesses, and hundreds of generous local residents. Families in need of resources this holiday season can qualify for assistance through Douglas County and Washoe Tribe Social Services, CASA or the Family Support Council. They can then sign up for assistance at the Carson Valley Community Food Closet.

Each qualified child, through 17 years of age, will receive at least two gifts requested during sign up, valued at approximately $30 each. Through the efforts of the Kiwanis Club and others, some children will receive bicycles and safety helmets.

The children's Christmas wishes are then placed onto angels that are distributed to participating business locations throughout the community. Individuals and families can take one or more angels, buy and wrap the requested gift and return it to the business for delivery to the fairgrounds. The Project also accepts new unwrapped toys that can be used to fill requests that come in too late to be included with the angel trees. Generous donations received during the Stephanie Waggoner Memorial Christmas in July Toy Drive helped prepare for this phase of the effort.